Month

October 2016

Today I spoke to a boy who told me that this had been the “bestest day ever” in his entire life. He made me smile because his obvious delight in the day was written all over his face.

Less than good days happen – sometimes we can have one of those terrible, horrible, no good days. But part of the secret of having less terrible, no good days is to have the attitude of “today is going to be a great day”, from the moment we open our eyes”. And to be able to answer the question what makes a good day; a “best day ever” for us?”

Today my young friend would tell you it was because he had spent his day playing and on the beach; fishing, paddle boarding and having fun with his friends. Plus he had started his day off having waffles for breakfast. That’s what made his day the best day ever.

Often as we get older we get so used to just coping with Monday through Friday, whilst hoping for a great weekend, that we miss ever having “a best day ever,” and sadly we can even cease expecting them.

So here are a few pointers on what might help you have “a best day ever”

1.Take the time to do things you love. Far too often we just go from week to week doing the same old things, with nothing to look forward to, or us even trying to have a special or enjoyable moment in our day. Choose to create moments; life is about making moments, so don’t wait for them to happen.

2.Spend time with people you like and love. Be thankful and enjoy the people in your world. Take and create date days, family nights and gatherings with those you actually like being around.

3.Look for ways to serve and bless others. When we use the things that we are good at, or can share with others, we not only increase our enjoyment of those things, we also share the joy.

4.Be grateful and give thanks for all that God has surrounded you with. Go out and enjoy the great outdoors, your favourite café, great food. Visit and choose to engage in some way with the beauty all around you.

5.Maybe the politicians have got something in this: Go and hug or kiss a baby, or a puppy if you’re hard pressed to find an adorable little person.

Days go by so fast so have the attitude of being thankful, and make the most of at least some part of your day. When you do you may well discover that you have the “best day ever” today!

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy, I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMP)

Prayer: Lord please help me to appreciate every day, and expect that each day has the potential and ability to be my best day so far. Help me to create moments, and to look for the good in everything because you made it all for me to enjoy. In Jesus Name Amen.

One of the things I have learnt about God is that He sees all. He sees the beginning from the end, and every thing in between. So when He says something to us it’s probably a good idea to listen.

One of the main ways He speaks to us is through His word found in the bible. We can have a confidence in what we read and study in it as we read because it is unique among so-called “holy” books in that it does not merely give moral teaching and say, “Trust me.” Rather, we have the ability to test it by checking the hundreds of detailed prophecies that it makes, by checking the historical accounts it records, and by checking the scientific facts it relates. It’s not just a collection of stories or fables, but the consistent record of God speaking to mankind.

Not only that but you will literally find God in His word. We find out what He is like, and how much He loves us. We find out how He operates and how faith works.

There have been times in my life where I didn’t know what to do, or really needed some encouragement and assurance that everything was going to be alright. I can still remember specific passages of scripture God has literally led me to which helped me at those times. I discovered and found God in His Word, and now I know Him for who He is in those areas of my life. I think perhaps we don’t know God as our healer unless we need healing; as our provider, unless we need provision; as our strength, unless we feel weak etc.

When I’ve needed those things I have turned to God, sought out what He has to say, and in the process I have discovered Him and that He meets our every need.

Take the time to read and discover God for yourself. It is often when we are hard pressed and don’t know quite what to do, that we actually discover God the deepest. God is waiting. He can be found in His word. It’s not, as some imagine a boring book, but instead a place of discovery, answers, guidance, and where God will actually speak to you if you have a heart to listen. He wants you to know Him. Won’t you seek Him in His Word today?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart”. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Prayer: Lord thank you for your word. Help me to understand and find more of whom you are, and the answers and wisdom I need as I read it. In Jesus Name Amen.

Today looking out at our back garden, I am met with the brilliant sight of our rose bush in full bloom. There must be over 100 buds all over the bush, with many others already flowering.

However if we were to go back a few months, that same rose bush was a stick! I had pruned it as far back as I dared, removing dead wood and stems that were in the way, and some that were crowding the rest of the plants ability to get sunlight and fresh air. For a while I just had a brown “stick” adorning my back garden, with not a new shoot or bud in sight.

Pruning is something all gardeners know about, but which many of us don’t readily wish to experience or apply in our own lives. Usually we run as fast as possible the other way at the very thought!

Jesus Himself talked about how important pruning is. He said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2)

Jesus is the vine, and if we follow after Him, and His way of living and doing life then we are like the branches. Papa, our Heavenly Father, is the gardener. He is the one who prunes us; He prunes the dead wood from our lives, where we are going in the wrong direction or have excess distractions, and even the parts of our lives that are fruitful. He prunes it all; the things that take away from who we are, our tangled messes. Even the good stuff needs to be routinely cut right back so that we will lead healthier and more fruitful lives.

Nobody likes pruning time. I don’t like pruning rose bushes – they tend to attack you. And we as people most definitely don’t like God pruning us! We often act like my rose bushes, scratching and bringing out our spiky bits in an effort to keep God, and anyone else He might send to help and teach us, well away.

Nevertheless, our Heavenly Father is a great “gardener”. He puts up with a lot, and has promised that He will perfect that which He started in us. He will continue to seek to finish making each of us the masterpiece He envisioned and created us to be.

Today be encouraged. If you are feeling like you are under the pruning knife, trust God to do what He needs to do, to bring the best out in you. Just as my recently pruned rose bush is now blooming, and is something to behold, you were also made to display His splendor, and be a sight to behold!

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3-4)

Don’t fight, but invite God to come and cut away any unnecessary things in your life. To remove, trim, and simplify if need be every area. Let Him examine your whole being so that He can bring the best out in you. Yes, it may well be uncomfortable, but if you let God have His way in your life you will look back and say, “Look what the Lord has done. He’s finishing what He started in me”.

Prayer: Lord thank you that you are faithful, and you never give up on me. Help me to allow you to more easily finish what you’ve started in me, even when it may hurt. I choose to trust you to prune my life, knowing you promise it’s worth it. In Jesus name Amen.

There is a verse in the bible that always captures my attention every time I read it. It’s that “love never fails”. “Love never dies; never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end; love never gives up, never loses faith, it is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”.(1 Corinthians 13:8 AMP, MSG and NLT)

Actually true love always wins! That’s because the epitomy of love is God. He is love, it is who He is; it describes Him completely and encompasses all that He is. His character, His actions, His entirety.

Love isn’t a sappy emotion, or just a thing for the romantics. Love is actually a powerful force, which when released has the potential and ability to change the world.

Jesus demonstrated love’s power when He walked the earth. He revealed what love looks like. He openly embraced everyone who came near to him. Loving the unloving, the rejected, the rich, the poor, widows, prostitutes; both the sick and the healthy. He made time for women, children, the young and the old, for both soldiers, and community leaders. Nobody was excluded from His compassion and love.

Jesus taught something that many of us fail to realise. It’s that “faith works by love”. Love is like the on switch; the activation button to our believing. To seeing our prayers answers, to miracles happening, to experiencing heaven on earth. Love makes all things come together and function as they should. Through love Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes and deaf ears. He delivered people from the power of evil, and restored life and hope to those who were broken.

If we are to live walking in the truth, we must not only be people who believe, we must also be people who live a life of love. Far too often we miss walking in love and then wonder why things aren’t working. But if we are going to build strong lives we also need to build strong foundations. The foundation of faith life, of trusting and believing what God says, is love.

“We can make all the confessions we want to. We can quote the Bible day and night. We can fast and pray, and we still won’t get anything if we are not walking in love. The Word says faith works by love. But if we’re not walking in love, our faith won’t work!” (Kenneth Hagin)

When Jesus walked into the room, or down a dusty street, love emanated out of Him. Love drew people, love healed people, love won. In the same way Jesus’ love in us is designed to ooze out of us so much so that when we walk into a room people will know we are living in love! Love’s capacity resides inside all of us, for we are created in the image of love. And when we get connected to God, all His love, ability, and compassion flows from Him into us. Enabling us to love as He loves.

Jesus knows it. That’s why He said to all those who follow Him, “Go, live the love life; go and tell everyone near and far the good news that they are loved, and that love’s power always wins, and it will set them free”. (Mark 16:15)

“If you live in me and what I say lives in you, then ask for anything you want, and it will be yours”. (John 15:7)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love”. (1 John 4:18)

Prayer: Lord please help me to live the love life. To let love’s force and power flow out of me to others, causing miracles, healing and restoration wherever I go. Thank you that love always wins. In Jesus Name Amen.

Jesus loves us, and when He died on the cross He laid down His life for us, by dying in our place so that we could live free.

The thing is, He now asks us to lay down our lives too. Not necessarily in having to die for another person, but to lay down our lives in a different way. He asks us to show our love towards others, not by dying for them but by living for them.

To do that means having an attitude we are going to live to love others, and not just ourselves. Love puts others first, it’s patient, and goes the extra mile; it gives and blesses, and looks for the best in people.

There was a book written a few years ago called the “Five love languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. Not everyone receives or gives love in the same way, and if we don’t understand ourselves, or each other it is very easy for us, and those we are trying to love to actually feel unloved through simply lack of understanding.

Everybody generally has his or her own primary love languages for receiving love and giving love. If a husband for instance does not meet the primary love language of his wife, she might not sense his true feelings and starts to be unsatisfied with their relationship because she feels unloved, resulting in issues arising in their relationship.

It’s like we all have a “Love Tank”, much like a petrol tank in a car. Our lives run best when our “Love Tank” is filled and constantly being topped up. The alternative is to allow our tanks to run empty and dry and eventually burn out and stop.

Even the best relationships take work to make them stay vibrant and whole. If we neglect or take them for granted it doesn’t take long for people to feel depleted and neglected.

Far to often we can make the mistake of supposing we don’t need to tell, show or express consistently our love for those people around us. But Jesus wants us to live the love life. Our spouse, partner, children, friends and those we meet everyday all need to see and feel demonstrations of our love, and we need to feel loved too.

Here are five love languages which people usually give and receive love through. It’s helpful to understand how we feel loved so we can communicate that to others, and also to listen and learn others language. In our family our children are all different and what causes one child’s “love tank” to be filled up, doesn’t’ necessarily fill another’s. Likewise my husband is the complete opposite from me, and it takes effort and ingenuity to give love that can be received.

Once you start to understand people’s love language it becomes easier to fill people’s love tanks and to live the love life.

Here are the five love languages to help you give and receive love more effectively and honestly.

1.Words of Affirmation

“If this is your love language, you feel most cared for when people are open and expressive in telling you how wonderful they think you are, how much they appreciate you, etc.

2.Acts of Service

“It’s when people offer to watch the kids so you can go to the gym, or relieve you of some other task to help you. If this gets your heart going, then this is your love language.

3.Affection

“This love language is just as it sounds. A warm hug, a kiss, touch, and intimacy make you feel most loved when this is your love language.”

4.Quality Time

“This love language is about being together, fully present and engaged in the activity at hand, no matter how trivial.”

5.Gifts

“When people take the time to give you a gift, making you feel appreciated.”

It takes effort and motivation to live the love life, but when we lay down our life to love we allow our lives be guided by God’s love in us.

Today check out how full your own love tank is. If it feels empty ask God to fill it, and then communicate to those close to you how you feel. Sometimes people just don’t know, that what they presume is expressing love isn’t working for you. Then take the time to watch and listen, to fill other’s “love tanks” too.

Jesus said when we lay down our own lives, and take up the love life we will in fact find the ultimate life. Choose to take up the love life today.

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proudor rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:1-7;13).

I frequently have a conversation with people about the importance of prospering their souls. It is important to understand how our soul, body and spirit operate together. The bible says we are a living soul, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). However we must be careful not to confuse that which is truly spiritual, and that which is only soulish or physical. Our spirit is the central place of activity where the Holy Spirit operates in regeneration, and that regenerating then flows over into our souls and bodies.

That’s why it’s so important to feed our spirit and our soul with good things. We spend time reading God’s word, taking time to praise and worship, and to enjoy our relationship with Him. It lifts our spirits and renews and prospers our soul; actually bringing health to our bodies.

Far too often we try to compartmentalise our lives, not understanding that what we allow into our lives will affect every part of our being – our soul, body and spirit. Which is why we must feed and care for all of our being, and not just part of it. You can be physically fit, eat healthy, do fun things and yet be spiritually lacking and dead. Or you can be spiritually fit and healthy and be lacking emotionally or be physically unwell.

The bible says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)

So the question is how do you prosper your soul. Our spirit’s are regenerated and renewed by God’s presence and life in us; our bodies by eating and exercising well, and putting in the truth of God’s word. But what about our souls?

I have discovered that we often don’t know what makes our soul happy. And if we do, we don’t do those things enough.

God’s word will prosper your soul because it tells you how much you are loved and how God sees you. Then God actually wants you to go out and enjoy your life with Him. Matthew 12:34 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. So it’s vitally important that we are taking care of our souls, our hearts so that they are full and overflowing. If we only concentrate on the necessary to exist, our souls will not be prospering and our heart will not be full of good things. Instead we can end up cynical, tired, short tempered, having toxic speech, and disillusioned with life.

Today make a list of those things that make your soul happy. If you can’t think of anything, why not try something new. It doesn’t have to be a big things; it can be simple like a cup of coffee at your favourite cafe, enjoying some great scenery, good food and company, a sport, hobby, music, art, shopping, etc.

Take some time to prosper your soul today, and do something you enjoy. It will bring you good health, renewed energy, and a zeal for life. Plus your mouth will speak from the overflow of a heart that is full of an appreciation for the life you have been given.

Prayer: Lord please help me to understand myself better and how to prosper my soul. Reveal to me anything that is not right in my heart, and help me to deal with it, as I prosper my spirit, soul and body. In Jesus name Amen.

In a world where everyone is always wanting bigger and better it is easy to overlook the importance of being faithful with small things. To ask ourselves what are we doing with what we have in our hands now, with what we have already been blessed with?

Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:20)

God wants to use us in incredible ways, and to invest more in our lives. But first He wants to see how we manage what we have; how trustworthy we are in the small things, before giving us the responsibility of true riches.

Put yourself in God’s shoes. If you were God looking from heaven, watching the way that you manage what He’s given you, would you consider yourself worthy of greater trust and investment?

This doesn’t mean that God only uses or approves of people who have a lot of money, or are incredibly successful in the world’s eyes. But He does look at our attitudes, and what we have, and how we are using it now.

God always calls and gives more to those who choose to be faithful and honest in managing their skills, gifting’s and abilities. Who are not idle, lazy or take for granted what they have, failing to use it for good.

God values our attitudes, the condition of our hearts, and our work ethic. Elisha was working in the fields with his oxen when Elijah, who was directed by God, called him to come and be his apprentice. Moses was faithfully looking after his father-in-law’s sheep when God called him. David was on shepherding duties, mostly forgotten about by his own family, and busy fighting off lions and bears, when God chose him to be the next king. Amos was a hardworking herdsman. Peter, James, John and Andrew were fishermen. Matthew was sitting at the table working on his accounts. No where in the Bible does God call a lazy person, who is not diligently using what they already have.

God will give us more based on how we use what He has put into our lives. Luke 16:11 says, “If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store?” That’s God’s basic way of looking at this. What we do with what we have already; how we use our time, skill and money is a barometer of our hearts.

For “God will always do great things with people who are willing to be faithful in the small things” (Lysa Terkeurst)

If you aren’t happy with what you already have, and how your life is now, consider how faithful and honest you are. Are you using your skills, abilities, possessions, and all you’ve been given to the best of your abilities? Are you seeking to bless others and serve God with what you already have? It’s a matter of the heart, and God does test us to see how our heart is! For if you are not faithful in earthly matters, how can you be faithful in heavenly matters?

“A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in the little things is a great thing” (Hudson Taylor)

Today consider how faithful and honest you are in small things. Choose to use what you have; your skills, gifting, money, home, car, possessions, your time and effort to the best of your ability. Make all you have available to God for Him to use. As you do, you’ll soon discover He’ll start to trust you with bigger things, and His true riches.

Prayer: Lord please help me to use what I have already to the best of my abilities; to both serve you and others with, so that you can trust me with more, and with true riches. In Jesus Name Amen.

As a child I grew up on a sheep farm in the south of New Zealand. Across the road from our home there was a giant tree that I regularly climbed. It was my getaway place, where I would nestle high up on the wide sturdy branches, spending hour’s enjoying being above the world, and away from everyone and everything else. I could see for miles from my vantage point, and regardless of the weather, or strong winds my tree remained stable, firmly rooted in the soil.

There is passage in the bible that describes a person who is blessed. “He is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)

The secret to being like that strong tree, which has an abundant water supply, yields it’s fruit in season, doesn’t wither, and prospers in all it does is found at the beginning of Psalm 1.

God instructs us how to be that “rock solid, prosperous person, who is fruitful, strong and planted in “good soil”. He says if we don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand with sinners, or sit with mockers; but instead choose to delight, follow, and think over what He says every day and night; we will become that person.

I like how the message bible puts it:

“You don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.

Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.

You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month. Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.

You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust”. (Psalm 1:1-3 Message Bible)

Most of us are busy looking for the fruit of our labours; to see results, or for our life to have some meaning and purpose, and to not be blown about by life’s challenges. The good news is that God actually promises that we will produce “fruit”, and see the results and product of our life’s journey in its appropriate season. He’s given us the manual to be like the solid, sturdy fruitful tree from my childhood. It’s simply to walk with Him, delighting and meditating on His word every day; being mindful of who is influencing and speaking into our life. He wants us to be like strong fruitful trees, not windblown chaff!

Today, take the time to take hold of God’s words to you found in the bible. Think about, and consider them throughout the day. Choose well who you are allowing to speak into your life, so that you will be fruitful and prosperous in all you do.

Prayer: Lord please help me to be wise about who I allow to influence me, and to whom I listen to. I want to know you more, and to understand your word more, so that I can follow your manual for my life. Help and remind me to do that today. In Jesus Name Amen.

Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I am faced with what feels like 101 things to do. I wonder how I am going to do everything, be available to who needs me, spend time and be attentive to Jesus, teach the kids, get my work done, keep the house in some semblance of order, control the washing flowing out of my laundry, and then have time for me.

How do we make time? And how do we give time to what is really important, rather than to what seems urgent?

Most people if they are honest, really do want to have fruitful, meaningful lives. It’s just that life and all it’s “stuff” gets in the way, and our lives can end up feeling like a juggling act. As a result we wonder, “Am I wasting the time I have been given”, “What is it all about anyway?” Am I giving enough time to exploring and harnessing all that I am, or can be?” Is there more to me, to life, to God, to what I see now?

These are the conversations many of us regularly have with ourselves, and perhaps with God. Usually there is truth in these musings, because life essentially does travel by very fast. One year rolls into another, and we wonder where the time has gone. Yes, there is more to God than any of us have even considered, and Yes He does want to reveal deeper mysteries and wonders to us.

So the question is “What do we do?” “How do we not get caught in the “rat race” of life?” How do we make the most of our days, and do all that we need, and desire to do?

Jesus is known as the greatest leader and teacher the world has ever seen. So it goes to reason we should take the time to read and give thought to His words recorded in the bible. In Matthew Chapter 6, it tells of a day when a great multitude crowded around Jesus as he taught, eager to hear His words of life and the answers to these very questions we still find ourselves asking. He said, “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen colour and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:29-34)

“Seek me first, and my way of doing things”. (Matthew 6:33). When we seek Jesus first and foremost at the very beginning of our day; He promises it will all make sense. Because He is the one who can draw all those things within each one of us together, making our lives full, overflowing and meaningful. He says, “Seek Me first, in the morning, at the start of your day, and I will direct your steps.” He wants us to trust that He will perfect all that concerns us. To understand that there are seasons and transitions in life, but we don’t need to be stressed. Instead He says, “just relax and enjoy knowing Him, and the day He has given us”.

When we do that His life in us, and the things in our hearts will bubble up; our dreams and hopes will start to come to pass without all the struggle and striving. God wants us to, trust Him to complete what He has started in us. He doesn’t leave any masterpiece unfinished, for in His hands we are perfected!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Make a habit of first thing in the morning, taking the time to seek Jesus, and His way of going about your day. He promises when we do, He will make everything make sense, and give us time for what is important, bringing meaning and fulfilment to our lives.

Prayer: Lord please help me to remember to spend time with, and consult you as I start my day. You promise when I do, that you will direct and guide my steps, adding good things to my life and causing me to live a life of purpose and meaning. Thank you. In Jesus Name Amen.